Resetting Maryland football’s 2020 recruiting big board

The summer dead period of 2019 is setting in — running from June 24 to July 24 — offering recruits and their families time to sit back and evaluate exactly where they stand with no visits allowed to take place, but communication lines still open.

So far in the Class of 2020, Maryland has locked up 14 commitments. While there aren’t a ton of seniors on the current roster, this class could still come close to 25. The Terrapins stand at No. 33 in the nation and seventh in the Big Ten, but with six months until early signing day, there is plenty of time for change down the stretch.

Here is a look at who is already on board in the 2020 cycle and potential targets moving forward.

Quarterback

Commitments: None

With the transfer of Josh Jackson and signing of four-star prospect Lance LeGendre in 2019, Locksley and his staff are not necessarily forced to go after a quarterback in 2020. Two main targets did emerge, but with Pennsylvania product Will Howard committing to Kansas State last week, all focus is on four-star Georgia native CJ Dixon to fill that slot.

Running back

Commitments: Peny Boone, Ebony Jackson

With a logjam of upperclassmen and draft-eligible players after this season, the 2020 cycle will be important in establishing depth in the backfield moving forward. Boone and Jackson currently stand as the two highest-rated commitments in Maryland’s class, and seem to satisfy the staff at this position. However, if Locksley and the rest of the staff can somehow play their way into flipping South Carolina commit MarShawn Lloyd, an adjustment certainly could be made to accommodate that addition to this class.

Wide receiver/tight end

Commitments: Corey Dyches, Nick DeGennaro

With four wide receivers and two tight ends in the 2019 haul, as well as more new faces via transfer, any additions at these positions will be for more depth. Dyches and DeGennaro could work their way into the fold after a potential redshirt season. Further additions could include Deajuan McDougle or even a major flip of Rakim Jarrett from LSU.

Offensive line

Commitments: Jordan White, Ja’Khi Green, Santana Saunders

With three commitments already on the line, spots going forward will be limited, but more bodies will be needed. At tackle, Maryland has further offers out for D.C. native Anton Harrison, newly offered Tariq Stewart and under-the-radar talent Jermarques Bailey. Another player to watch is former St. John’s standout center and Under Armour All-American Josh Jefferson, who earned an offer from the Terrapins last week.

Defensive line

Commitments: Jordan Mitchell

Defensive line is probably one of the larger positions of need remaining in the 2020 cycle. Transitioning to a 3-4 defense will require Locksley to bring in talent to fit certain positions, mainly defensive end. The Terrapins are still in the running for Greg Hudgins, Kris Jenkins and Jerzhan Newton at the end position, any of which could be a cornerstone for this class.

Linebacker

Commitments: Ruben Hyppolite II

Hyppolite stood as the highest-rated commit for the 2020 class for quite a while, and has been picking up steam on the recruiting trail. Offers from Alabama, Florida and Miami have been extended in the last few weeks, but Hyppolite maintains his commitment to Maryland. It will be a fight to keep him in the fold if another major program makes a late play, but look out for the Terrapins to hunt for late options to round out the class and positional depth.

Defensive back

Commitments: Rashad Battle, Beau Brade, Tarheeb Still, Devyn King, Shane Mosley

Defensive back quickly became the deepest position in the Class of 2020, as the Terrapins locked in four out of the five commitments in the month of June. Mosley told Testudo Times that Locksley and his staff are set with five defensive backs in this class, so there likely won’t be much more movement here.

Special teams

Commitments: None

Joseph Petrino held down the kicking duties well as a freshman in 2018, but Wade Lees has transferred to UCLA and Maryland will be looking for someone to step up in the punting game. Anthony Pecorella and Colton Spangler are listed as incoming freshman that will battle Bentley Faulkner for playing time this season. Locksley has extended a walk-on offer to Calvert Hall’s Peter Moore, and it’s possible Maryland offers a scholarship at this position before the cycle ends.